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A 47-year-old man from Puyallup was arrested by Whatcom County Sheriff's Office deputies following a drive-by shooting incident near Woodlawn Cemetery on February 18. Witnesses reported the suspect brandishing a firearm during a road rage altercation, leading to the discovery of a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the shooting.
The Washington State Supreme Court's recent visit to Bellingham emphasized its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion amidst federal challenges to such initiatives. During a Q&A session at Western Washington University, justices discussed their diverse backgrounds and the importance of equity work, highlighting significant milestones in representation within the court.
Local agencies successfully rescued an elderly woman who fell down a steep embankment in Sumas, Washington, on February 18. Utilizing a drone for location assistance, firefighters collaborated with multiple law enforcement agencies to safely extract her and transport her to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Whatcom County's Health and Community Services is seeking community input to shape its upcoming homeless housing plan, focusing on priorities such as affordable housing and emergency shelter space. Residents can provide feedback through a survey, which will inform the five-year plan set for approval by the Whatcom County Council in 2026.
The Port of Bellingham has approved the design documents for the second phase of the Millworks project, which will introduce a local food campus, office spaces, and 109 units of workforce housing to the Bellingham waterfront. This phase aims to address the housing needs of the "missing middle" demographic, further enhancing the community's livability and amenities. The project is expected to cost over $140 million, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025.
Whatcom County is seeking community feedback on its homelessness strategies as it develops a plan for addressing homelessness from 2026 to 2030. The Housing Advisory Committee aims to gather public input through surveys and presentations, focusing on balancing short-term and long-term solutions. This initiative follows a record of homelessness affecting over 846 individuals in January 2024.
The Washington State House of Representatives honored Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, the longtime president of Whatcom Community College, with a resolution recognizing her 35 years in higher education, including 18 years at WCC. Under her leadership, the college expanded its curriculum significantly and was designated as Washington's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. As Dr. Hiyane-Brown prepares for her retirement on March 1, the college has announced three finalists for her successor.
Suzanne Simard, a renowned forest ecologist, emphasizes the ecological importance of the Douglas fir in her latest research, which highlights the need for assisted migration to combat climate change. Her findings indicate that continued clear-cutting could significantly hinder the survival of this vital species, underscoring the urgency of sustainable forestry practices.
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County and the City of Everson have secured $1 million in funding from the state’s Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program to develop essential below-ground infrastructure for the Mateo Meadows Community. This initiative aims to enhance affordable housing options, including 30 townhomes and 14 apartments, serving low-income residents in the area.
On Presidents Day, hundreds protested in Mount Vernon and Bellingham against the Trump administration's actions, including significant cuts to federal funding and the controversial establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. The nationwide demonstration, part of the 50501 movement, highlighted concerns over the administration's impact on public services and the constitutional implications of its policies.